Monument record 3043/1 - Castle Hymel

Remains of a ringwork and bailey. The only documentary evidence for it is that it was demolished circa 1200 to make way for the later Augustinian Fineshade Priory, (SP99NE1). An 18th century description, borne out by air photos, shows it to have consisted of a ringwork with bailey on the West side, and possibly an annexe or extension to the North-East. The latter may be associated with either the later priory or post-Mediaeval country houses. The North-East rampart of the castle was sectioned in 1988. Archaeological investigation has suggested that the site may have originated as a late Bronze Age/early Iron Age ringwork or even hillfort.

{1} Rapid conditions survey undertaken on Scheduled Ancient Monument of Fineshade abbey and castle; there is a problem with rabbit burrows on the land; assessment of condition and various management recommendations put forward.

{3} 6 inch plan: Fig 48.

{5} The earthworks of Castle Hymel motte and bailey comprised a ring keep with bailey on the west side. There is a possible annexe or extension of the bailey to the north-east. The castle was replaced by a priory c.1200.

{6} Evaluation carried out by A.G. Johnston and B Dix. Possible Roman features observed on the site of the medieval castle and priory, and post-medieval mansion.

{9} NCCAP:SP9797/001-6.

{10} In 2007 a section was cut through the presumed outer bailey bank of the castle. A Roman lime kiln had been cut into the eastern side of the bank, indicating that the bank was part of an earlier feature. It was concluded that the earthwork may have started life as a late Bronze Age or early Iron Age ringwork, or given the defensive nature of the site, a hill fort. The edge of the natural promontory was enhanced with a large quantity of freshly quarried stone and the eastern side was demarcated by a bank and large external ditch. The enclosed area is c2.3ha in size.

{11} The earliest reference to the castle at Fineshade can be seen in the initial charter of Richard Engayne and his wife Sarah in the priory cartulary, describing the gift of 'that place called Castrum Ymelis' some time before 1208.

<1> CADMAN G.E., 1997, CONDITIONS SURVEY, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN47859.

<2> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.218-9 (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.38-9 (unchecked) (Series). SNN77379.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP99NE1 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> English Heritage, 1993, English Heritage Scheduling Notification, (part checked) (Report). SNN48078.

<6> Dix B., 1992, Recent Work in Northamptonshire Archaeology, p.119 (unchecked) (Article). SNN104441.

<7> Kenyon J.R., 2008, Castles, Town Defences and Artillery Fortifications in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Bibliography 1945 - 2006, (unchecked) (Bibliography). SNN106309.

<8> Lanning K.; Pearson V.; Walker D., 1995, Castles in Northamptonshire: A Resource Pack for Teachers, (unchecked) (Educational Resource Pack). SNN75536.

<9> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<10> Johnston, G and Bellamy, B., 2015, From Hillfort to Mansion: Excavations at Fineshade Abbey, p. 177-194 (Report). SNN110575.

<11> Bellamy, B and Johnston, G., 2015, The lands and landscape of the priory of Fineshade (Article). SNN110578.

<12> Serjeantson R.M.; Ryland W. (Editors), 1906, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p. 135-6 (Series). SNN100369.

<13> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p. 307 (Book). SNN77326.

<14> Cathcart King, D J, 1983, Castellarium anglicanum : an index and bibliography of the castles in England, Wales and the Islands. Volume II : Norfolk-Yorkshire and the islands, p. 316 (Book). SNN112899.

<15> Royal Air Force, Vertical Aerial Photography, CPE/UK 1925 (1947) 2130-1 (Photographs). SNN104890.

Record last edited

Feb 27 2024 3:01PM